The end of the school year is a perfect time to teach students, at any grade level, to reflect on what they have done and learned and how they have changed over the past year, while at the same time preparing them for the future. There are many group and individual reflection activities that can be done. Two such activities are having the students write a short essay about their progress, achievements and personal changes over the year and then presenting it to the class, or holding an informal discussion among the students with each of them taking a turn sharing their reflections with the class. Reflection does not have to be limited to the students. Teachers can also use this time to reflect on their professional performance to begin planning for another year.
The last few classes of the school year can also be used to prepare for upcoming changes. This transition can be tough for younger students in particular, and it can also affect the parents and the teacher. Discussions are a good way to address the students' concerns and thoughts about the changes that are looming. Another way students can prepare for the changes is by meeting the new teacher and even visiting their new classroom. Parents can feel better about the transition when they are able to meet their child's new teacher ahead of time. Some parents can also feel relief if the current teacher talks to the future teacher about the individual students.
Just because the end of the school year is near does not mean that activities that promote learning are at an end. These last two weeks are a great time for activities that are fun but keep the students reviewing what they know. In "Learning Up to the Very Last Minute," Instructor Magazine editors rounded up teachers' favorite activities for the end of the year. They include jeopardy, treasure hunts, math activities, art auctions and even teachers-versus-students competitions. All the activities allow students to use some of the knowledge they have acquired throughout the year and often provide opportunities to develop new skills.
The last two weeks are also ideal for holding different activities that celebrate the students' achievements. Some of these can be traditional award ceremonies with students going up on a stage to receive their certificates, medals or trophies. But celebration can also be done in the form of an art show featuring the pieces the students have worked on throughout the year, a reading of stories, poems or essays written, a PowerPoint presentation with pictures of the different activities and projects completed during the year. A party could even be held for the students, with time devoted to highlighting the their achievements throughout the year.